What a time to be alive! This is absolutely phenomenal news. This year saw John Carpenter touring the UK for the first time and next year The Warriors are coming over to the UK to play. Needless to say Walter Hill's The Warriors is one of the greatest films ever made and I am a huge fan.

There is no doubt that Producer/Writer/Director Walter Hill's work is as intense as it is versatile. He is responsible for some of the grittiest and adult action films ever released films like: Charles Bronson, James Coburn & Jill Ireland in Hard Times, Ryan O'Neal, Bruce Dern & Isabelle Adjani in The Driver, Mickey Rourke, Ellen Barkin & Elizabeth McGovern in Johnny Handsome.

He also directed engaging modern westerns like: David Carradine, Stacy Keach, Dennis Quaid in The Long Riders and Nick Nolte, Powers Boothe & Michael Ironside in Extreme Prejudice.

As well as two great music based films: Ralph Macchio, Joe Seneca, Jami Gertz in Crossroads and Michael Paré, Diane Lane & Willem Dafoe in another of one of my favourite films of all time the spectacular - Streets of Fire.

But few of those films come close to the tightly wound grit, vigour, swagger, sheer edge of the seat compulsion and hard hitting energy of his third feature film released in 1979 - The Warriors, all set to composer Barry De Vorzon's pulsating electro score, the most synthesized music used in a film to that point. And next year The Warriors coming to the UK to play.

Battle of Cunaxa 401 BC. Over two millenniums ago, an army of Greek Soldiers found themselves isolated in the middle of The Persian Empire. One thousand miles from safety. One thousand miles from the sea.

One thousand miles with enemies on all sides. Theirs was a story of a desperate forced march. Theirs was a story of courage. This too is a story of courage” - Prologue from the Director's Cut of The Warriors

VIDEO: THE WARRIORS - UK CONCLAVE FAN FILM

Loosely based on the greek tale of Anabasis, which has come to be known as The March of the Ten Thousand or The March Up Country, written circa. 370 BC. by Xenophon a professional soldier and writer who told the story over seven books.

Xenophon accompanied the Ten Thousand, a large army of Greek mercenaries hired by Cyrus the Younger, who intended to seize the throne of Persia from his brother, Artaxerxes II. Though Cyrus' mixed army fought to a tactical victory at Cunaxa in Babylon (401 BC), Cyrus was killed, rendering the actions of the Greeks irrelevant and the expedition a failure.

Stranded deep in Persia, the Spartan general Clearchus and the other Greek senior officers were then killed or captured by treachery on the part of the Persian satrap Tissaphernes.

Xenophon, one of three remaining leaders elected by the soldiers, played an instrumental role in encouraging the 10,000 to march north across foodless deserts and snow-filled mountain passes, towards the Black Sea and the comparative security of its Greek shoreline cities.

Now abandoned in northern Mesopotamia, without supplies other than what they could obtain by force or diplomacy, the 10,000 had to fight their way northwards through Corduene and Armenia, making ad hoc decisions about their leadership, tactics, provender and destiny, while the King's army and hostile natives barred their way and attacked their flanks....
- Wiki

If you are a fan of The Warriors you will recognise the plot as that of the gang, that has to make their way home after been framed, with dangers on all sides. The name Cyrus and possibly the relevance of the name Ajax will also be familiar. Neither of these names are featured in Sol Yurick's 1965 novel The Warriors which is the basis for the film.

VIDEO: The Warriors - Trailer

A battle of gigantic proportions is looming in the neon underground of New York City. The armies of the night number 100,000, they outnumber the police 5 to 1, and tonight they're after the Warriors - a street gang blamed unfairly for a rival gang leader's death. This contemporary action-adventure story takes place at night, underground, in the sub-culture of gang warfare that rages from Coney Island to Manhattan to the Bronx. Members of the Warriors fight for their lives, seek to survive in the urban jungle and learn the meaning of loyalty. This intense and stylized film is a dazzling achievement for cinematographer Andrew Laszlo.

Yurick was a Social Investigator for New York City's Welfare Department and became familiar with New York's underprivileged and street gangs. He researched gang culture, hierarchical structures, motivations, behaviours and communication. All of which fed into his novel The Warriors. In the course of his research he discovered gang culture went back centuries, eventually drawing parallels to the young soldiers of the Ten Thousand of Anabasis.

But the spark behind The Warriors was the gulf between the reality of growing gang culture and the friendlier perception portrayed in the media with films like West Side Story (1961).

Yurick was not pleased by the film and the changes made to his story. His novel is more realistic as it the world they move through and The Warriors are by no means the heroes of Walter Hill's film.

The film opened amidst controversy, how could it not? given the subject matter and the violence but has became an enduring cult favourite over the years.

VIDEO: The Warriors: Last Subway Ride Home

Last year The Warriors took their last subway ride home with Rolling Stone Magazine and it looks like The Warriors are coming to play in the UK next year.

UK Conclave Presents The Warriors UK CelebrationUK Conclave brings the cast of cult film The Warriors to the UK for the first time

Can you dig it? The cast of classic movie The Warriors will be making their way to the UK for a special Warriors 2017 celebration event at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. Taking place on April 1st and 2nd, the UK Conclave will be the first Warriors conclave event in the UK. The lovingly crafted event will feature exhibits, panels, cosplay, stalls and a variety of other fun elements and surprises...

When not watching or making films he takes pictures, eats, drinks, dives, tries to connect to nature whilst mentally storyboarding the greatest film ever made. He also & sometimes utilises owl-themed gadgets to fight crime.

A list of his 133 favourite films can be found here! If you would still like to contact Craig please use any of the buttons below:

A couple of weeks back I was fortunate to crack an invite to the FDA's Autumn/Winter Preview Event, this is where the Film Distributors Association give us a taste of upcoming releases and what we can expect from the Autumn/Winter period.

To be honest I have missed the last couple of FDA events but was determined to make it this time around as the countdown master and presenter, not just another pretender, the real contender for film schedule mender and part time centaur sporting a new chevelure while he renders a verdict on upcoming films and that guy off the telly - Alex Zane (who you may know from such films as: Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo & Ibiza Undead amongst his many, many other endeavours ) was hosting. And he is always incredibly entertaining. I thought a post would make nice catch up of releases coming up for the rest of the year and early next year.

The evening was as surprising as it was fun, we were greeted with refreshments and exhibition of film art from the Autumn/Winter release schedule as well as a nostalgic display of vintage cinema paraphernalia including usher's uniforms, chairs and signs on loan from The Cinema Museum.

We headed into the conference area where FDA Chief Executive Mark Batey gave us a quick update on the status of film in the UK - and the outlook was buoyant. With September being a very good month indeed, partially due to the release if Bridget Jones's Baby. If I remember correctly he mentioned that the past September had the most UK cinema goers for 20 years, since October 1997 which saw the releases of The Full Monty and the original Austin Powers film and looking forward things looked promising.

Then Alex Zane stepped up and gave us a comedy gold countdown of his 20 most anticipated upcoming releases for the Autumn/Winter period. I have listed these films below - bear in mind that these are only a selection from the Autumn/Winter release schedule and there are many, many more that may float your boat.

Zane was in top form as he delivered his countdown but that was not all as he interspersed the countdown with goody bag spot prizes. I managed to score a rather spiffing reverse gag Guardians of the GalaxyRocket Raccoon T-Shirt as well as an ace copy of Delivering Dreams: A Century of British Film Distributionby Geoffrey MacNab. Thanks FDA & Alex Zane.

Just when we thought the evening had peaked, Zane invited special guest and Scottish acting legend Mr. Tom Conti onto the stage for a chat about his 50+ year career on stage and screen.

T oday Jonas Akerlund's music video for Metallica's ManUNkind single made it's debut. It is the seventh music video from Metallica's upcoming double disc album Hardwired … To Self Destruct to be released this week.

Hardwired is Metallica's 10th studio album, their most recent solo album since 2008's Death Magnetic, not including Lulu their collaboration with Lou Reed.

Akerlund's video features the first look at the fictional MAYHEM band (featuring Rory Culkin, Jack Kilmer, and Sky Ferreira) from Jonas Åkerlund’s upcoming true-crime film Lords of Chaos.

It would appear that the sound of Hardwired … To Self Destruct seems to hark back to St. Anger but with a darker more Black Metal edge. Which ties right in to the subject matter of Akerlund's Lords of Chaos

Lords of Chaos
A teenager's quest to launch Norwegian Black Metal in Oslo in the 1980s results in a very violent outcome.

I have as yet unfortunately not had the chance to see Derek Cianfrance's The Light Between Oceans. But jumped at the chance to sit in on a discussion about the making of the film with the Director behind the moving and visionary, or should that be, “retro-visionary”? films like Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines - as, well to steal a sentiment from leading man Michael Fassbender - they don't make them like they used to.

Derek Cianfrance's films are beautifully shot and the humanity portrayed brings gravitas to his tales. They take a long weighty view, looking past the immediate and instant to the longer repercussions and consequences of events and decisions.

The Light Between Oceans (2016)

A lighthouse keeper and his wife living off the coast of Western Australia raise a baby they rescue from an adrift rowboat.
Director: Derek Cianfrance Writer:Derek Cianfrance, M.L. Stedman Stars:Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Rachel Weisz

I was keen to possibly gain some insight into Derek Cianfrance's vision, his thought processes and decision making when it comes to choosing material and bringing his stories to life, and how those decisions differ from more conventional directors. Especially pertinent as The Light Between Oceans is the first novel that Cianfrance has adapted. I was also hoping to explore common elements from across his work.

Besides who would not want to hear first hand from engaging top tier talent like Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander who is exceeding her Rising Star promise bringing challenging, intense and complex personalities to life on screen - about their experiences and approach to bringing M L Stedman's best selling novel and Derek Cianfrance's vision to life.

I have to say it was quite an experience sitting in the discussion, particularly listening to Michael Fassbender who seems to be able to communicate complex emotions and scenarios very clearly with an easy charm. It is very clear that this guy could excel at anything he chooses and that the performing arts are a better place with his contribution.

Just as surprising was how fresh and a budding talent Alicia Vikander is, given her numerous roles I thought she maybe a far more jaded personality but not even close – despite her accomplishments so far, Vikander's journey is just starting. She also blew my mind about 3/4s of the way through the chat when she mentioned that English was not her first language – of course it makes complete sense in hindsight but not something that had occurred to me off the bat - it is easy to understand why her talent is so sought after.

Derek Cianfrance is still a mystery to me, like all the best directors, how they do what they do is not easily explored, and whilst making a film is not only a creative endeavour, it can be as gruelling as any mechanical production business with budgets, timelines and deadlines, but it would seem that Cianfrance seems to be very much in tune with the human side of things drawing both outstanding performances from his cast and placing them in a sweeping epic tale – like they don't make any more.

A shell-shocked survivor of the First World War trenches, Tom Sherbourne, devotes himself to his new job as lighthouse keeper on the otherwise uninhabited Janus Rock, surrounded by nothing but the vast sea, seeking solace in the solitude. He intends to remain alone, but unexpectedly meets Isabel Graysmark, a vivacious young woman from the town of Partageuse across the harbor, herself grieving two brothers lost in the war.

Despite the obstacles, their love flourishes in the stark isolation and they are soon married. Passionate for each other and hoping to be part of creating a new life together, they try to start a family, but fate intercedes. Then, one night, a mysterious rowboat holding a dead man and an infant girl washes ashore, setting off a chain of decisions—some impetuous, others wrenching— that unravel with shattering consequences.

15 years ago, mid 2001 BMW Films released the first of its Hire short films Executive Produced by David Fincher and starring Clive Owen as The Driver - Ambush, a 6 minute short film directed by the legendary John Frankenheimer, known for his action drama as much as he is for high velocity car chases, perhaps the most apt choice to kick off a series of films based around high performance vehicles.

BMW THe Hire Clive Owen

Soon after 4 more short films followed; Ang Lee's Chosen, Kar-Wai Wong's The Follow, Guy Ritchie's Star and Alejandro G. Iñárritu's Powder Keg. For the second season Tony and Ridley Scott picked up the reigns to produce: John Woo's Hostage, Tony Scott's unforgettable (and perhaps the pinnacle of the Hire Series) Beat the Devil based on an original David Fincher concept and starring James Brown and Gary Oldman alongside Clive Owen.

I absolutely loved Noah Baumbach & Jake Paltrow's De Palma. A documentary that is ostensibly about a man sitting in front of a camera and talking, telling you his story - the story of his life and the story of his passion – making films. I say ostensibly as much like the visual tricks De Palma employs for sleight of hand or to heighten effect and suspense – mine is a deceptively simple deconstruction as - at the heart of making film - is story telling. And Brian De Palma can tell a story.

Look! This isn't so much a review of Noah Baumbach & Jake Paltrow's De Palma - it's brilliant please go see it. This is more about my surprise at rediscovering Brian De Palma's works, style and one of my favourite films of all time - Brian De Palma's Blow Out.

There is very little that is conventional about Brian De Palma, so his films are unlikely to ever fit in an easily categorised box. He has raised as much controversy as he has accolades over his 31 feature film, 60 year career. He has made crime films, comedy, political intrigue, satire, high action, science fiction all with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and carved a distinct path for himself with psycho sexual dramas. He has the unique ability to play with film technique and deliver an engaging tale that will keep you guessing and surprised throughout. He also made one of my favourite films of all time. Yet he has remained a fairly enigmatic and private person. I do not believe he has actually even contributed to a Director's commentary on any of his DVD/Blu Rays.

So when the opportunity came to see a documentary made by two friends of his, based on a series of ongoing conversations they have being having with him about his career, which became a feature length documentary I jumped at the chance. And was rewarded with one of the best cinematic experiences of the year and fell in love with Brian De Palma's films all over again. This is a documentary for anyone who likes Brian De Palma's films, anyone with an interest in filmmaking and anyone who loves film.

One of the most talented, influential, and iconoclastic filmmakers of all time, Brian De Palma’s career started in the 60s and has included such acclaimed and diverse films as Carrie, Dressed to Kill, Blow Out, Scarface, The Untouchables, Carlito’s Way, and Mission: Impossible.

In this lively, illuminating and unexpectedly moving documentary, directors Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow engage in a personal and candid discussion with De Palma, exploring not only his life and work but also his singular approach to the craft of filmmaking and his remarkable experiences navigating the film business, from his early days as the bad boy of New Hollywood to his more recent years as a respected veteran of the field.

In the end, what emerges is a funny, honest, and incisive portrait of a truly one-of-a-kind artist, and an exhilarating behind-the-scenes look at the last 50 years of the film industry through the eyes of someone who has truly seen it all.ne of the most talented, influential, and iconoclastic filmmakers of all time, Brian De Palma’s career started in the 60s and has included such acclaimed and diverse films as Carrie, Dressed to Kill, Blow Out, Scarface, The Untouchables, Carlito’s Way, and Mission: Impossible.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a unique and stunning looking (chicks really dig it!) bike. Ready to ride. Starts first time every time on electric start or kick. Power and robustness is what this bike is all about with a custom-made Gotham steel chassis, carbon-fiber and kevlar body. Single seat, Brand new 31" front and rear Hoosier racing tyres,

Excellent condition, some slight wear to the body, with very little cosmetic work could be made into an absolute beauty. Night time inspired. Metallic Grey as dark as Ra's al Ghul soul. But this is not just a stylized piece - every element has a practical function.

Tomorrow, Friday Sept 9th, Captain Fantastic is coming to UK cinemas. To celebrate the film’s release, the marketeers have created some lovely themed merchandise and been kind enough to let us champion this film and giveaway 3 Captain Fantastic Goody Packs.

Sadly I didn't get a chance to see Captain Fantastic but any film that stars Viggo Mortensen is going to be a quality effort, more so, when the material is as fiercely original as Captain Fantastic promises, and leans so much towards themes of humanity, a strength running through all Mortensen's role choices.

At its Cannes Festival debut Captain Fantastic got a 10 minute standing ovation and everyone I know that has seen it loves it.. So I thinks it's fair to assume that Captain Fantastic is going to be a worthwhile viewing experience.

As well as Viggo Mortensen, no doubt George MacKay will be putting in another fine performance to add to his growing resume alongside the legendary Frank Langella.

In the woodlands of the Pacific Northwest, Ben Cash, the fiercely independent patriarch of Captain Fantastic, is raising his family as far as he can from the influence of modern consumerist culture.

Filling the days of his six children with rigorous education, demanding physical training and intense instruction for surviving in the wild, Ben raises a tribe of "philosopher kings" with the cardiovascular and muscular endurance of elite athletes and a grasp of classic texts far beyond their years.

Ihave posted about this before, but as I said then - this is possibly the most exciting event I have heard of this year! Legendary Director (and Composer) John Carpenter the man behind films like: Assault on Precinct 13, Halloween, Escape from New York, Big Trouble in Little China and They Live amongst others. And yea, he pretty much created all the iconic sounds for his films - is playing a two gigs at The Troxy in London this Halloween! And will be performing his film soundtracks and new compositions.

Carpenter embarked on his first ever live performance tour earlier this year and has been playing to sold out audiences to rave reviews. This October he arrives in the UK and will be playing live performances throughout the UK and Ireland: Brighton 20 October, Edinburgh 22 October, Bristol 23 October, Dublin 25 October, Liverpool 28 October, Manchester 29 October and as John Carpenter's Release the Bats London gig on 31st October is sold out an extra date has been added so he will be playing at The Troxy on Tuesday 1st November 2016 as well.

If you are a regular reader you will know that I am a fan of John le Carré literature, something my father passed on to me. So of course the latest adaptation of his 2010 novel Our Kind of Traitor, his 22nd novel, is of interest to me, and who isn't intrigued when a public figure is revealed to have had a secret of double life?

But Our Kind of Traitor is of further interest to me as it involves half of my current Bond 25 dream team:

Our Kind of Traitor (2016)

A couple finds themselves lured into a Russian oligarch's plans to defect, and are soon positioned between the Russian Mafia and the British Secret Service, neither of whom they can trust.Director:Susanna WhiteWriters:John le Carré & Hossein AminiStars:Stellan Skarsgård, Ewan McGregor, Naomie Harris, Damian Lewis, Mark Gatiss

Writer Hossein Amini who has a rich varied body of work (The Four Feathers, The Wings of the Dove, Jude, 47 Ronin, Snow White and the Huntsman, Shanghai, Killshot) and intrinsically brings relationships to the fore in all his works as well as has intelligently dealt with matters of secrecy, subterfuge and intrigue in his works like Peter Kosminsky's 1992 The Dying of the Light and Diarmuid Lawrence's 1996 Deep Secrets.

Amini is probably most well known for adapting Drive for Nicolas Winding Refn, again showing his versatility but should be more feted for his rather brilliant adaption and direction of Patricia Highsmith's The Two Faces of January starring Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst & Oscar Isaac. I would love to see what Hossein Amini does with a Bond story arc.

I think Our Kind of Traitor Director Susanna White would bring all the right things to a Bond story. Not only a measured, nuanced approach to complex international intrigue but she also has an eye for action as demonstrated with her episodes, of one of the best War TV shows in recent history 2008's Generation Kill. My second choice would be the return of Martin Campbell (GoldenEye, Casino Royale) who constantly surprises, refreshes and updates with the demands of every film he takes on.

A Bond story written by Hossein Amini, directed by Susanna White, shot by Roger Deakins (Skyfall & everything he does is beautiful), Hoyte Van Hoytema (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Spectre, Interstellar, Dunkirk), Wally Pfister, Phil Meheux, Roberto Schaefer or new to the list - Anthony Dod Mantle whose long list of beautifully shot films, which includes: In the Heart of the Sea, Rush, Trance, Dredd, The Eagle, 127 Hours, Slumdog Millionaire, can add Our Kind of Traitor as the cherry on top. Would be a superb combination!

If Daniel Craig was not to return, Susanna White could bring along my current favourite choice for Bond -Damian Lewis who stars in Our Kind of Traitor and she has also worked with on the fast paced TV show Billions. Lewis sparkles with intelligence and can certainly pull off the physical side of the role with aplomb. Besides he has a fair resemblance to Ian Fleming.

Enough daydreaming already here is a list of 5 surprising real life celebrity spies that led double lives and the one you already know Mr. Ian Fleming.

Over the years, the film industry has produced a plethora of films that capitalise on the theme of espionage and the life of a spy. Due to the illusive nature of those who work with top-secret government intelligence, a whole host of different characters have been concocted in a bid to represent the life of a person with one of the most mysterious occupations on the planet. We’ve been shown debonair men, who drive around in extravagant cars and adorn expensive suits, like the infamous James Bond, to the more unassuming and calculating spy characters such as George Smiley.

The new film Our Kind of Traitor reimagines the spy once again, this time through the eyes of an unsuspecting couple who are thrust between the Russian Mafia and British Intelligence, neither of whom are as clear-cut good and bad as one would assume.

Recently I received an email about the gorgeous and stately island nation of Malta being the location of choice for many major upcoming releases - now usually I would have skipped over this email but a couple of things piqued my interest enough to post about it.

Malta has been on our visit list for awhile, particularly as we constantly get updates about how great the diving on the Maltese Archipelago is. It's place in history merits a visit for anyone interested in European culture and it looks absolutely gorgeous with azure blue seas, natural beauty, old world charm and architecture as well as all the modern comforts. All of which would compliment any holiday rather well.

So much so that earlier this year we had planned to visit Malta, as we were swept away by the elegant quaintness of the hotel and locations beautifully shot, by Cinematographer Christian Berger for Angelina Jolie's By The Sea.

In the film Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt couple, Vanessa and Roland are seeking sanctuary in the South of France during the 70s.

We are less than a month away from what has become one of the greatest film conventions for film fans ever. I am of course referring to Empire Magazine's Empire Live to be held at The O2, September 23 - 25 2016. If you are looking for details about what is going on at Empire Live just head to the middle of this page and skip my reminiscing.

When it comes to sublime storytelling there are few that can match master auteur and eternal outsider Nicolas Roeg for vision, originality or technical knowledge.

I am a huge fan of his work, always original, always more about art surreally reflecting; nuances of story, broader life, social context, creating mood and mind states, than a linear story arc, always surprising and always drawing out incredible performances from his cast for his films.

It would appear that the 40th Anniversary of Nicolas Roeg's The Man Who Fell to Earth is going to be a big year with The Man Who Fell to Earth released into cinemas from September 9th, Special screenings with introductions from Mr Danny Boyle and The Man Who Fell To Earth Costume Designer May Routh, walks, books and of course the 40th Anniversary 4K restored home re-release will be be available from October 24th in varying formats. Upcoming events include the below list which is expanded upon further below:

27 August - The official, definitive making of The Man Who Fell To Earth book is available for preorder!9 September: Nicolas Roeg's The Man Who Fell To Earth will be launched into UK cinemas!9 September: Hackney Picturehouse Special Event - The Man Who Fell To Earth with introduction from Danny Boyle and after party!9 September: Curzon SohoDavid Bowie Day - Walking tour and The Man Who Fell To Earth Screening with introduction from Costume Designer May Routh #savecurzonsoho9 September & 28th October: The Original Soundtrack for The Man Who Fell To Earth will be available on CD & vinyl for the first time!24 October: The Man Who Fell To Earth Home Release is launched! 25 October: David Bowie's The Man Who Fell To Earth play - Lazarus starring Michael C. Hall lands in London!

40th Anniversary re-release The Man Who Fell To Earth Original Soundtrack The Man Who Fell To Earth Book [enlarge]

The Boss is back! Or at least David Brent is back! And it would appear that a good idea, may indeed be a good idea forever. It has been twelve years since the BBC's award winning, at times cringe worthy, hilarious, sad, all too real, surreal and touching sit com mockumentary The Office ended its two and half season run.

Incredibly it's UK run of only 14 episodes belies the cultural significance and impact that the show has had, (the US version of the The Office ran for nine seasons!!) as co directors and writers Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant turned their magnifying glass on the microcosm of office life - personalities and relationships, at times possibly cutting a little too close to the bone.

I can't deny I have been curious about what has happened to the personalities of The Office over the last decade. Did Dawn become a world renowned children's book illustrator? Did Tim and Dawn finally got their happy (or mildly content) ever after. Did Gareth slog it out or quit to start his own private investigation business, join the TA or campaign to become the President of the Unites States? Did he ever find a boy that could swim faster than a shark? And what of David Brent our relentlessly hopeless, inappropriate and awkward every man? He may be refreshingly laid back for a man with such responsibility but did he finally follow the success of Richard Branson or Tony Robbins? Or a different path?

Well unless you have been living under a rock (and roll branded pillow) for the last couple of months you already know that we will indeed, at least be getting to know a little of what has happened since, as it looks like David Brent has been in the business for another 12 years and spared a moment to tell us what has been happening - when Ricky Gervais releases the big screen debut of David Brent star of The Office (and Slough's finest) in David Brent: Life on the Road into UK cinemas this Friday 19 August.

To celebrate the occasion and support one of the UK finest exports we have partnered with Entertainment One to offer three of our lucky readers exclusive David Brent: Life on the Road goody packs consisting of some sweet merchandise that includes: a must have for any budding musician Elvis/Brent Rockstar Glasses, the finest David Brent guitar pick money can buy, an always ready to handle business David Brent stapler, a reach the peak of sartorial rock elegance David Brent T-shirt and possibly best of all an acoustically serious David Brent guitar amp-style speaker (great for playing music, even better to impress guests as you pretend you can play a guitar like the best of them)

For details on how to get one of these great David Brent: Life on the Road goody packs see further below.

London in the summer time is truly something to behold just ask the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and this summer certainly seems to be carrying the flag of Great British Summers. So much so that there just doesn't seem to be enough time to fit everything in during the daylight hours. Now more can be made of your time as the growth of spectacular outdoor pop up cinemas continues steadily and makes the most of the London Summer. No doubt your days were packed but oh oh the summer nights.

One of the better outdoor pop up cinemas, not only in terms of: attention to detail, comfort, variety, consistently stunning architectural backdrops for their screenings, entertainment and social consciousness is without doubt - The Nomad Cinema. Get ready for Prince's Purple Rain as you have never experienced before!

NOMADIST: intrepid, bold, adventurous, film-lover

The Nomad Cinema is the roaming pop-up that gives back: since 2010, The Nomad has earned the reputation as ‘London’s best outdoor cinema’ [Evening Standard], popping up at an inspiring range of beautiful, unique and intriguing screening locations across London and beyond.

The Nomad is about community: our sister cinema is the acclaimed and much-loved independent boutique cinema The Lexi in Kensal Rise, London NW10. Both cinemas are partly run by dedicated volunteers and have developed partnerships with a diverse range of kindred cultural organisations, ethical companies and fairtrade suppliers.

We are big fans of the BAFTAA Life In Pictures talks series. Both because it recognises talented individuals whose careers should actually be celebrated and also because it gives one the opportunity to hear first hand about some of our greatest talents careers and lives first hand (as well as possibly ask a question or two). If you have not already done, it's worth having a look at their previous sessions over here.

I couldn't be happier that Jeremy Irons has been invited along to chat about his life and extensive career, bringing to life some very engaging characters in too many brilliant films to list here, but that has seem him work alongside the likes of; Meryl Streep, Harold Pinter, Roland Joffé, Robert DeNiro, David Cronenberg, Roald Dahl, Michael Winner, Anthony Hopkins, Jacques Audiard, Barbet Schroeder, Glenn Close, Steven Soderbergh, Louis Malle, Wayne Wang, Bernardo Bertolucci, Adrian Lyne, Franco Zeffirelli, Fanny Ardant, Al Pacino, Michael Gambon, István Szabó, Claude Lelouch, Ridley Scott, Lasse Hallström, Leonardo DiCaprio, J.C. Chandor, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, David Lynch, Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Stanley Tucci, Kevin Spacey, Neil Jordan and many others, while taking the time to direct a film and be the second best Die Hard villain.

A career which shown no signs of slowing down having completed a number of high profile TV and film features in the last couple years including: his ongoing role in The Borgias, Raimund Gregorius's Night Train to Lisbon, Matt Brown's The Man Who Knew Infinity, Giuseppe Tornatore's La corrispondenza and and Ben Wheatley's dark High-Rise and Avery Brundage's Race, not to mention his ongoing role as Alfred Pennyworth in the DC Universe. And a number of anticipated upcoming feature films which includes Justin Kurzel's adaptation of Assassin's Creed starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard.

Jeremy Irons will be chatting about his illustrious career in retrospect at BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly on Friday 9th September 2016

BAFTA TO HOST A LIFE IN PICTURES: JEREMY IRONS’ IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUDI

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has today announced that Oscar-winning and double BAFTA-nominated actor Jeremy Irons will discuss his craft and career at a special ‘BAFTA A Life in Pictures’ event at BAFTA’s headquarters, 195 Piccadilly in London, on Friday 9 September. Public tickets will be available to book from 1pm on Friday 5 August at www.bafta.org/whats-on/.

BAFTA is proud to announce Audi as the partner to A Life in Pictures. BAFTA’s Chief Executive Amanda Berry OBE said: “BAFTA and Audi have enjoyed a long and successful partnership and I am thrilled they are now supporting A Life in Pictures. Audi is a brand synonymous with innovation and creativity, and one that is hugely supportive of film.”

‘BAFTA A Life in Pictures’ is a long-running series of onstage interviews in which some of the film world’s leading talent share insights into the experiences that helped them hone and develop their craft. The series has hosted such figures as Kenneth Branagh, Cate Blanchett, David Fincher, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, Sam Mendes, Helen Mirren, Alan Rickman, Vanessa Redgrave, Martin Scorsese, Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet and Peter Greenaway.

It has just been announced that Ben Wheatley's Free Fire will be the closing film of the 60th London Film Festival to be held this October.

Wow! This is great news. Say what you will about Wheatley but he is one of only a handful of current British filmmakers that is carving out an original path for himself. From his low budget shot around friends homes Down Terrace to the sublime adaptation of J.G. Ballard's High Rise there are few that can claim such a rise whilst staying true to their own voice. I have been looking forward to Free Fire since I heard about this 70s fuelled crime film. Executive Produced by Martin Scorsese, co written by long time Wheatley collaborator Amy Jump and Wheatley has brought on board, like he has done with his previous films, an absolutely blinding cast that includes amongst others: Wheatley regular and all round legend Michael Smiley, Cillian Murphy, Armie Hammer, Sharlto Copley, Sam Riley, Noah Taylor, Patrick Bergin (thought you would sneak that past us?), Jack Reynor and Captain Marvel herself - Brie Larson! So that's two leading Disney actors in a Ben Wheatley film. Here is the press release and more information:

It is no secret that I am a huge Nicolas Roeg fan. His career epitomises a time honoured path of a master of the arts. Incredibly talented he started out as an Apprentice Editor following a path learning all aspects of filmmaking that led to eventual auteur-ship.

Able to draw on his multidisciplinary talents and experience, particularly his camera work to shape emotive works of art. Along the way he worked with just about every serious talented individual in film as he carved out a path of originality - often leading to being at odds with the studios as he manifested his unique vision.

Indeed some of his works are amongst my favourite films but all of them across the board are compelling viewing and offer an almost hallucinatory and unique viewing experience. Roeg's works have been on my mind lately, most recently with the release of concept art for the Blade Runner sequel, the original was made by legendary British Producer Michael Deeley who also produced Nicolas Roeg's brilliant adaptation of Author Walter Tevis' The Man Who Fell to Earth, watching the extra features on last year's Far From The Madding Crowd restored release I discovered Nicolas Roeg's involvement and early signs of his trademark camera work, and of course the tragic passing of one of our shining lights - David Bowie the titular Man Who Fell to Earth - one of my favourite science fiction films of all time.

For me The Man Who Fell to Earth is a companion piece alongside Roeg's debut feature six years earlier - the great Performance, which he co directed with Donald Cammell (who conceived the concept and wrote the screenplay) and his Bad Timing with Art Garfunkel. Not only do the film and music world's blur with the casting of prominent musicians - Mick Jagger in Performance and David Bowie in The Man Who Fell To Earth but reality and film merge as Roeg explores issues of identity, duality, isolation and humanity in an experimental experience - drawing on his actor's understanding of the issues of fame and the lines between themselves and others to bring their characters to life in engaging performances.

So I'm over the moon that for its 40th Anniversary The Man Who Fell to Earth has been restored and will be getting a high definition 4K home release, a Special Collector's Edition release as well as a big screen release - as it should be seen.

The upcoming re-release is part of STUDIOCANAL's Vintage Classics collection - showcasing iconic British films, all fully restored and featuring brand new extra content.